The Washington critic., 1887-01-01
RELIGION IN WAR TIMES.
The Gray and the Blue in Revival
HeiMeen tho Lines.

Az inc recent bar banquet In honor
of Judges Key and Trewhi,t, says the
Chattanooga Times, Colonel Lewis
Shepherd made request, seconded by
all of the gentlemen present, that Mr..
Templeton of the Knoxville bar, who
was present, relate an incident which
occurred during the war at a revival
service held by his father In North
Georgia. Mr.. Templeton kindly con.
sented, and related the following in a
most effective and touching manner,
eliciting the most generous applause at
his conclusion:
my father" said Mr.. Tcmpleton,
"residcs in Chattanooga, but about the
time that Sherman made his way into
the South he refugeed in Georgia, and
stopped in Gordon. lie was preacher,
and wherever he went he always
preached whenever an opportunity af.
forded.
about the time that Sherman was
driving johnson toward Atlanta, some
time in the early part of August, 1864,
my father was conducting revival at
a little house called Pine Log Creek
Church. about ten miles from Calhoun.
The times were most terrible about
then murder, robbery and rapine were
of daily occurrence, and the whole
country was subject TO visitations by
marauding parties from both armies.
One day the old gentleman was preach.
ing sermon of unusual power, and be-
fore he had gotten well under way a
gang of Confederate soldiers rode up
and dismounting out back of the
church, asked if they might be ad.
mitted to the church. OF course they
were cordially invited in, and took
prominent seats in the church.
mot long afterward cloud of dust
was seen In the road from the opposite
direction TO what the rebels had come,
and pretty soon the tramp of horses
hoofs was heard, and 1t was soon dis.
covered that it was squad of Federal
troops, and before the Confederates in
the church could be apprised of the
approach they had ridden up to the
door, Perceiving that religious services
were being held, they alighted and
asked 10 be admitted. They were then
told that there were Confederate sol.
diers in the church, but insisted on
going in, and they were admitted like
wise.
Naturally the strange spectacle
created some CONSERVATION in the con
gregation, and for time it seemed as
if the confusion would break up the
meeting. But my father raised his
voice and began most fervent|y to plead
better life, beseeching his soldier
hearers to become religious and aban'
don their sins. He preached with un.
usual force and power, the strange
scene lending him inspiration. Strong
men were stirred to the depths, and
wept like children, and the scene OF
confusion was soon changed to one OF
a strong religious awakening.
"Wlen he had concluded his sermon,
as was the custom in those days, he in.
vited those who were convicted to
come forward to the mourners bench
and pray and talk with him on the all
important subject.
Then 1t was that one OF the grand
est sights ever witnessed occurred,
Those soldiers, enemies to each other
engaged in bloody war, arose as one
man, friend and foe together, and
marched TO the front of the church
and kneeled together, Confederate by
Federal, their muskets joining and
crossing each other; their revolver'
touching each other as they kneeled
their heads bowed upon the same
altar and their tears mingling almos
in their deep contrition and profound
feeling. All animosities were forgot
ten, all strife forgotten-they were to
| gether as brothers around common
altar.
After the service they met on the
outside of the church; they shook
hands, pledged fraternity, and each
party went off, taking opposite drec
tions. They had been looking fol
each other, perhaps with murderou
intent. They found each other, bu
they separated with love instead o
hate, friendly instead of angry"
The recital of the story was listened
to with marked attention and interest
every one being deeply impressed will
The beautiful incident, which is true il
every detail.